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"Maiden America" Would Promote US Roots

ANN APRIL 1st "SPECIAL"
EDITION: Aiming to silence critics who accuse upstart
low-cost carrier Virgin America of having too many ties to foreign
interests, airline executives are said to be considering a
significant rebranding effort.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an airline insider told
the Missouri Valley (IA) Times-Cornfield the airline -- backed by
British tycoon Sir Richard Branson -- hopes to accomplish two goals
with the soon-to-be-announced change.

"By recasting ourselves as 'Maiden America,' we obviously intend
to drive home the point that, yes, indeed, we are an American
carrier," said the source. "The DOT says so, at least for now, and
frankly that should be enough. I mean, really, doesn't [rival
airline] Alaska Airlines have enough to worry about right now with
that volcano?"

In addition to the hometown-friendly connotations, the name
"Maiden America" should also convey the image "of a more
experienced carrier," the source added. "An airline that's been
around the gate a time or two, one that knows it's doing and
that's familiar with most any IFR clearance."

The source admitted issues still remain before "Maiden America"
planes will grace tarmacs at SFO, LAX and BOS.

"We're running into licensing issues with an online forum
dedicated to appreciation of a certain hard-metal rock band... but
we think Branson's money will speak louder than any
litigation."